The Thoughts of We

In the novel The Cassini Division, author Ken MacLeod described the Singularity as “the Rapture for nerds.” This phrase quickly caught on and helped define the concept. Some, like Catherynne Valente, have expanded the concept to include “personal singularities,” moments in which a person loses recognition of their former self and becomes entirely different from what they once were.

Singularity stories often portray human intelligence upgrading and increasing at an exponential rate, until eventually humans are replaced by machines. Some argue that the Singularity is centuries away; others believe that it will happen in a few decades. The most common view is that superintelligence will develop from self-directed computers and will continue to increase exponentially. Elon Musk, for instance, has expressed concern about the potential impact on human life if AI technology evolves at an exponential rate.

In the post-Singularity world, people will be able to build factories of intelligent robots that can perform multiple tasks. These robots will be able to grow crops, raise animals, clean oceans, and protect environmentally protected areas. Among these worlddreams is extending the life expectancy of humans, enabling them to live a longer life. One of the most profound changes to be brought about by AI is the development of the human genome.